Liias, 30, is a Snohomish County native. He was born in Edmonds, served on the Mukilteo City Council, and is serving his third term in the Legislature from the 21st District in south Snohomish County.

State Rep. Roger Goodman, an outspoken progressive, and the more centerist former State Rep. Laura Ruderman are already in the field and at the six-figure mark in their fund-raising.

As Liias was declaring his candidacy, the Goodman camp announced a minor coup. State Rep. Mary Helen Roberts, Liias’ 21st District seatmate, announced that she is supporting Goodman.

A potential carpetbagger, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, makes his fifth trip of the year out to Washington on Thursday to speak at the annual convention of the Washington State Labor Council. Kucinich is looking at running here because he is likely to lose his seat as the Buckeye State downsizes by two congressional districts.

In Washington, the state redistricting commission must complete its work of carving out a new 10th Congressional District in the Evergreen State. One likely locale, embracing suburbs east of Lake Washington, means a reconfigured 1st District.

In an announcement video, Liias cites efforts by Wisconsin’s Republican Gov. Scott Walker to strip bargaining rights from public employees, arguing that the GOP has forgotten about and cannot be trusted to defend the middle class.

“We need a congressman that is focused on building a strong middle class and living up to the promises that we have made to our seniors. I am running to be that congressman,” Liias said.